Comprehension task: infed (Hella, Miriam)

1.      Outline the two distinct views of action research the author describes.

There is a British and US-American view of action research.

The British view is linked to education and sees action research as an improvement of teaching skills. It aims at self-reflection of the participants.

The US-American view focuses on social change due to information based research in order to unfold unjust practices and environmental danger. The outcome of this form of action research should provide ideas for change.

2.      Briefly list the steps in the spiral proposed by Lewin.

The first step is to line out an idea that the research action is based on. The second step is to get informed about the situation that the idea is confronted with. This step also includes planning of your further steps. The third step is to start your research by taking action towards the goals of the initial idea. Then as a fourth step you need to evaluate your action so far and reflect on the result. As a fifth step you then need to adjust your approach and see if there is something to improve. Finally, you start further actions and repeat the process.

3.      What are some of the criticisms action research had to face?

Action research had to face some criticism because it was not considered to be real research. The spiral proposed by Lewin is considered to have little focus on analysis.

4.      Why did it decline in favour in the 1960s?

Action research was associated with radical political activism. There were doubts that action research is no accurate research and does not improve research skills of its participants.  

     9.  Miriam and Hella would choose Action Research as a Living Practice by Carson and 

          Sumara because the book seems to be a guide to understanding and doing action research properly.

           As a second choice Creating Practical Knowledge Through Action Research by Quigley and

           Kuhne would appeal to us because of the same reason.